Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum)
Description:
Sapele ranges from Ivory Coast to Cameroon, and eastwards to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Sapele can attain a height of 150 to 200 ft [45 to 60 m]. The trunk is straight, cylindrical, and branchless up to 100 ft [30 m], with a diameter of 4 to 6 ft [1.2 to 1.8 m]. In some cases, the base of the tree spreads as roots form offshoots from the ground.
The sapwood of Sapele is white or pale yellow. The heartwood is pink when freshly cut but becomes reddish brown or purplish brown with age. This is a fine-textured wood with an interwoven or wavy grain.
Hardness (Janka Hardness Test):
1,500 lb (16% harder than red oak.)
Table of hardness of wood
*Values (lbs), measured according to the Janka Hardness Test.Color variation:
Moderate to pronounced color variation when exposed to intense ligh
Marks on strips:
Marks, scratches, and imperfections are more noticeable because of the close, even grain of Sapele. The dark color of the wood helps hide wear marks better than maple.
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Sustainable Development
When forests become old or overcrowded, trees stop growing and begin to decay. They release carbon that contributes to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, responsible harvesting of our forests locks in the carbon and ensures a continual supply of growing, oxygen producing trees. |
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